Munster U16 and U18s out of luck

Hockey: An interprovincial campaign that started with some promise ultimately unravelled for Munster’s U16 and U18 teams, who finished without a point to their name.

The U18s looked set to get off to a great start on Friday, leading three times against Leinster through Julian Dale’s double and a sweet Matthew Lee deflection. But they were pegged back each time before David Nolan nailed his second penalty stroke of the game just before full-time to see the hosts escape with a 4-3 win.

John McGrath’s side then pushed Ulster all the way on Saturday before again suffering late heartbreak as Sean Murray won the tie late on with the game’s only goal. Tired legs and injuries — including co-captain Alex Deane — then saw a 6-0 capitulation to a fresher Leinster later that day.